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MARI LLA 












ntte Love That Transformed 

Jin Easter Story of Long , Long Jlgo 


BY 

CHARLOTTE EVELYN HUFF 

ii 


Author of : “ A Real Ckristmas Present.” 

“ Love Makes Everything Come Right.” 

“ When Love Comes to the Heart.” 

“ Muriel ; The Lesson of the Flowers.” 
“Trixie’s Easter Visitor, Robin Redbreast.” 


COPYRIGHTED 1919 
BY 

CHARLES LAWRENCE HUFF 
PHILADELPHIA 











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CTke Love That Transformed 


ANY hundreds of years ago, 
when little children were 
taught to never contradict 
their parents or guardians, 
but to listen always to their 
advice, there lived a boy of 
eleven and his sister who 
was just nine. The boy’s 
name was Eustace and his 
sister was named Marilla; 
these two little children were very obedi- 
ent, not because there were no times when 
they wished their own way but because in 
those olden days the young were 
severely punished unless they observed all 
that was taught them and followed the 
teaching of their elders. It was thot 
to be a great offence against adults for a 
child to try to express an original thot, 
as our little ones do now, but despite that 
strange teaching there were many beau- 
tiful characters, for it is much better to 
withhold an opinion, no matter how filled 
with good it is, than to be looked upon as 
disobedient or forward. 

Now in those old days of centuries past, 
these two children were what we would 



5 



The Love That Transformed 


call today very keen, bright and interest- 
ing. They had desires to speak but know- 
ing full well that in the sight of their 
superiors they would appear but as impu- 
dent and forward they ever kept their 
ideas closely locked within their own minds 
until they were together alone. Then they 
spake freely to each other of all that 
they thot. Eustace had an idea that to 
become a sailor and live forever on the 
water would give him much happiness, 
but Marilla begged of him to forget all 
such thots, and try to be happy with her, 
for she said: 

“Eustace, if you go away I shall be so 
lonely that I know I cannot live. You see, 
we are not allowed to tell our parents what 
we think and unless we have each other 
how can we live happily? To whom shall 
I tell my thots then?” 

But Eustace, however, was daily think- 
ing of some plan whereby he could escape 
from home and sail out into the world 
where he could speak his thots to 
others. He did not know that altho it 
was hard for him to keep from express- 
ing his thots that out in the cold world 
he might meet with even harder problems. 
Marilla was ever conscious that Eustace 


6 


The Love That Transformed 


was thinking of ways to leave home and 
this kept the poor child much depressed. 

One day when they were alone, playing 
in a large room that was used for no other 
purpose than for their playroom, Eustace 
whispered to Marilla: “Sister, some day, 
when our parents are away visiting I am 
going to run away. I do not love them 
and they do not love us, else they would 
talk with us and listen to what we think. 
How can we grow wise or learned if we 
are not allowed to speak? How do they 
know the kind of thots we have if they 
will not hear them?” 

Marilla, who was too hurt to speak, 
began to sob, and Eustace, afraid lest 
someone should hear her and inquire the 
cause of her tears, shook her, saying: “Be 
quiet, Marilla, or I shall be punished, 
probably put in a dark room or dungeon. 
Please do not cry, I am not going for a 
long while so do not report me or I never, 
never will love you again. If you wish to 
go with me maybe we can find a way, but 
Marilla, I cannot live here much longer.” 

Marilla, by this time had stopped sob- 
bing for she loved Eustace too dearly to 
have him punished thru a fault of hers, so 
she placed her arms around his neck, kissed 
him and whispered: “Perhaps you will 


7 


The Love That Transformed 


take me, altho I do not think our father 
and mother are cruel; it may so be that 
they are right and we wrong. Suppose 
when we got out on the ocean and far from 
home we should wish to return, — what 
should we do?” 

“Oh, Marilla, girls are so queer, they 
are always sorry and not willing to have 
great sport. When we go away we will 
ask someone older than ourselves to take 
care of us.” 

“Suppose they bring us back and tell 
our parents that we asked them to take us 
with them?” 

“I am not going to ask them until it 
is too late to bring us back.” 

“How can we find our way to a port? 
I heard father say the other day that the 
nearest one was miles away. I cannot 
walk so far.” 

“ J ust wait, Marilla, and when the time 
comes I will have everything planned so 
that we can get there. Now do not cry 
any more, little sister. I love you and 
you love me and some day we shall be far 
away from here where we can say what 
we think and not be punished for it.” 

“All right, Eustace, I know you are like 
a grown-up man and can do things even 
as they can do, so I will trust you.” 


8 


The Love That Transformed 


Then the brother and sister played their 
games and for a time seemed happy. But 
when night came Marilla, who had taken 
her brother's plan very seriously and had 
thot too constantly about it, showed signs 
of a feverish condition and could not 
eat her supper nor be composed when 
placed in her bed for the night. She 
tossed and moaned and called for Eustace 
and when her mother was informed of her 
condition she came to her bedside and 
asked : “Why are you calling for Eustace 
and what has made this illness come upon 
you? Has anything occurred today that 
your mind is so confused? Tell me, my 
child. You have some secret on your 
mind." 

“Oh, mother, do not punish Eustace, 
but he is not happy. He wishes to talk 
like men do. When he sits with father 
and his friends he thinks of things he 
would like to speak of. Why is it wicked, 
mother, for little children to tell their 
parents what they think? We do not know 
if our thots are good or bad unless we can 
tell them to you, mother. Please let us 
tell you each day the thots we have.” 

“My child, I see why you are ill, — you 
wish to be disobedient and to have your 
own way. Why should Eustace feel sad, 


9 


The Love That Transformed 


and why are you disturbed about him? 
Have you not a good home? Do we not 
provide you with good food and clothes? 
Remember, you are a child and children 
should listen without interruption to all 
their elders say. In this way they learn 
and become educated.” 

“Sometimes we do not understand all 
that you say, mother. Would it be harm- 
ful to say so at the time and have ex- 
plained to us what we wish to know?” 

“When I was a child, Marilla, I asked 
no questions — I heard my parents and 
their friends converse but I was taught as 
you are to sit quiet.” 

“Mother, I am afraid we shall not love 
you unless you let us talk to you and tell 
you what we think. We feel like callers 
who are being entertained; but mother 
perhaps you know what is best for us, so 
I will not ask you again to let us speak.” 

“Now you are obedient and health will 
return to you. Your nurse shall sleep in 
this room and care for you during the 
night. Unless you grow better by morn- 
ing Dr. Stout shall prescribe for you. 
Now go to sleep.” Then coldly kissing 
the sad child, the mother left the room. 

When morning dawned, Marilla was no 
better, so the physician who administered 


10 


The Love That Transformed 


to the family when they were ill was called 
upon. When he entered the sick-room he 
saw that the child was indeed ill and re- 
quired immediate relief if her life were to 
be spared. He took her small hot hand 
in his and began at once dispatching nurse 
and maid for needed remedies that the 
house contained. After much attention 
Marilla opened her eyes, and seeing Dr. 
Stout, knew that she was very ill as her 
mother had told her he would be called 
upon were she no better in the morning. 
Despite all the attention she received she 
grew no better, relief refused to come. 
Her eyes wandered around the room as 
tho she expected to see some one who was 
not there. After watching her carefully, 
Dr. Stout asked, 

“What do you wish, my child? For 
whom are you looking? Is it your mother? 
She is at this time engaged but will soon 
be here.” 

“No, Dr. Stout, I wish to speak to 
Eustace. I have not seen him since yes- 
terday. Where is he? Does he not know 
that I am ill?” 

“I will inquire when your nurse re- 
turns.” 

It was but a few moments before 
Esther, the nurse, came into the room 


11 


The Love That Transformed 


carrying on a tray a glass of milk and 
some toast for her little charge. When 
she approached the bed Marilla moved 
her head from side to side and put out her 
hand as tho to prevent Esther from com- 
ing nearer with food. Altho Dr. Stout 
and Esther urged her to eat she refused 
to take anything. Her hunger seemed to 
be of another kind. She longed for Eus- 
tace, just to know that he was yet within 
the home. She could not confide in Dr. 
Stout, altho he was a kind, fatherly man, 
yet being of those old times he too felt 
that children should ever be obedient. 
Esther placed the tray on the table and 
coming near to look at Marilla and to 
comfort her if she could, inquired why 
she was so restless and if there was some- 
thing that she craved which was obtain- 
able. Dr. Stout answered, 

“She has a strong desire to see her 
brother and to talk with him. Can you 
not bring him to her? That seems to be 
the first prescription to be filled.” 

Esther said, “I will go and bring him if 
Manila’s mother gives her consent.” 

Then Esther hastily left the room and 
started on her mission. She first consulted 
Mrs. Rutherford, who seemed willing that 
Eustace should go to his sister. “The 


12 


The Love That Transformed 


children are so seldom apart that no doubt 
she does miss him. His presence may aid 
her, so take him to her at once, Esther.” 

Now when Esther started on her hunt 
for Eustace she first thot of the breakfast 
room where the children were given their 
meals alone. On reaching there she found 
that Eustace had not breakfasted. This 
seeming strange to her she inquired of the 
servants where the boy was. Not one had 
seen him. She went to his room and saw 
that he had not slept in his bed. She im- 
mediately sought his mother and told her 
of the mystery. 

In a short time the report was spread 
that Eustace was nowhere to be found 
and great alarm was held by all. Know- 
ing not of the boy’s intentions no one 
thot of the true reason for his absence. 

When Esther carried the sad news to 
Marilla the child collapsed. Her mother 
at last came to her bedside and realizing 
to what degree Marilla’s illness had reach- 
ed she became concerned and urged Dr. 
Stout to do all that he could to save her 
child. It was hours before Marilla was 
restored to consciousness and immediately 
she asked again for Eustace. 

“My child,” Mrs. Rutherford said, 
“Your brother has not yet been found. 


13 


The Love That Transformed 


We have sent out many men to search for 
him so you must not fret and worry. He 
cannot be carried away for there is no 
port nearby. He will be brought to you 
soon ; but why are you so anxious to speak 
with him? Can you not tell to me what 
you wish to say to him? I am you mother 
and I alone am responsible for you. Tell 
me what you wish to say.” 

“Oh, mother, I cannot, — only that I 
had a dream and in that dream I saw 
Eustace in a small boat which was being 
carried roughly over the high sea. Then 
the boat struck something and was dashed 
to pieces. Eustace was clinging to a piece 
of board, crying loudly: ‘Marilla, I am 
lost — save me — save me!’ ” 

“We all have dreams, child, and I see 
no cause for this excitement. You are 
feverish and bad dreams always accom- 
pany fever.” 

“Mother, do you not love Eustace?” 

“Of course I love your brother; but I 
am afraid it is thru disobedience that he 
has become lost. It will be well if he 
suffers for it. Some day when he becomes 
a man he will think so too.” 


14 


The Love That Transformed 


II 

After many hours’ search the word was 
carried to the house that no trace of 
Eustace could be found. In the mean- 
time, Marilla suffered and longed to speak 
her thots to some one who could com- 
fort her. She wished to ask questions, — 
to know if there were ways to reach the 
nearest port by night, yet she knew to ask 
this of her parents would cause her to be 
catechized. With no one to comfort her 
and no love wrapping its warm blanket 
around her, the little sufferer was indeed 
a sorrowful sight. She yearned to have 
her mother hold her in her arms and to 
soothe her and pet her as all children 
crave affection. 

Mrs. Rutherford was in a way not to 
blame for she too as a child had been 
taught that nothing but obedience should 
be exacted from a child. Fortunately for 
her, she was a cold nature so that suffer- 
ing did not reach her for lack of love 
demonstrated. She was a good woman in 
her way but ignorant of the recipe that 
heals sad hearts and comforts the world. 

When Dr. Stout was leaving he told 
Mrs. Rutherford that she had a very sick 
child and only the best care could possibly 


15 


The Love That Transformed 


heal her and bring her back to her former 
self. As time passed and Eustace did not 
appear his mother became alarmed and 
her heart began to open. It seems at times 
that nothing but a severe blow can soften 
the hearts of some. She saw him as he 
had never before appeared to her, — a 
bright, energetic and ambitious boy filled 
with promise of becoming a great man. 
She did not chide herself nor see to what 
extent he had been neglected by them and 
left to the care of servants. She felt the 
void of his presence in the house, altho he 
was at all times compelled to repress his 
boyish remarks and actions. A sorrow 
seemed to be hovering over them, but she 
could not tell to what extent it would 
spread. 

When the day was well spent and she 
went to the bedside of Manila she found 
her no better and with an expression on 
her face that told of hunger — hunger for 
that which she had never tasted, therefore 
was unable to understand. The yearning 
in Manila’s face appealed to her mother 
who knew not how to comfort her. How 
little she knew that life was about to open 
a new book of instructions for them. 

Mrs. Rutherford took Manila’s hand 
and more fervently than she had ever 


16 


The Love That Transformed 


before spoken to the child, asked her if 
there was anything she wished. “Can I 
make you more comfortable, child?” 

“No, mother, I want Eustace, — he is 
my friend, — he has always been kind, — he 
has told me of many things that you never 
allowed us to speak of to you.” 

“What do you mean, Marilla? Tell me 
at once.” 

“I mean, mother, that Eustace and I 
have always had such an ache, right here,” 
and the child placed her hand on her heart. 
“We have been lonely altho we had each 
other. One day we talked together and 
Eustace said, ‘Marilla, I know what that 
ache is. Grown people call it heart-ache. 
It is hunger for love and our parents do 
not give it to us. They never take us on 
their laps and place their arms around us 
nor kiss us only when they are going away. 
Our feelings get hungry more than our 
bodies, — we need love, Marilla, and some 
day we shall have it. Even Esther is cold. 
I read one day in a book that I found in 
the servants’ quarters, all about this love 
that parents have for their children and we 
do not get it, Marilla;’ and so, mother, we 
found out without your instructions.” 

“As you are very ill, Marilla, I shall not 
chide you for speaking as a child should 


17 


The Love That Transformed 


never speak to a parent. We are rearing 
you correctly just as our parents taught 
us. The young should ever show respect 
toward adults but I see that your inten- 
tions are not those of disrespect nor im- 
pertinence. However, I do not wish you 
to speak thus to me again.” 

“I will be obedient, mother, and never 
tell to you again my thots even tho it hurts 
to keep them inside.” 

Then the dear sad child turned from 
her mother as the tears flowed in streams 
down the pale, pinched face. While Mrs. 
Rutherford to appearances seemed not to 
notice her child’s attitude yet a lump came 
in her throat and her mind began to look 
on pictures it had never before seen. With 
one child lost, perhaps dead, and the other 
so ill, she felt for the first time during her 
motherhood a responsibility. She rang 
for Esther who immediately responded to 
the call, then requiring of her to remain 
at the bedside until her return, Mrs. Ruth- 
erford left the room. 

In those days these families of aristoc- 
racy lived useless lives, seeking only 
pleasures. The men hunted and rode 
horseback and the ladies played musical 
instruments, sang and did fine needle- 
work. To improve the mind by deep and 


18 


The Love That Transformed 


serious thot was not a part of their 
education. The men rode off and remained 
away for several days at a time and it 
was considered quite proper in those days 
for them to do so. 

When Mrs. Rutherford sought her 
husband he could not at first be found, 
but after a few hours he rode up the walk 
on his black steed. Tossing the reins to 
his groom he entered the house and 
walked to his rest room, intending to rest 
and dream. He, however, was met by 
Mrs. Rutherford, who said, 

“I must speak to you, Cecil. It is im- 
portant, so do not wave me from you.” 

Motioning for his wife to be seated, for 
the men of that age were noted for their 
gallantry, even tho it came from an insin- 
cere heart, he took a chair nearby. 

“I am vexed quite a little,” Mrs. Ruth- 
erford began, “about these unusual hap- 
penings. First, before speaking of Ma- 
rilla, I wish to ask, has Eustace been 
found?” 

“No, and the young rascal shall be 
severely punished when he is. Such dis- 
obedience should be well reprimanded.” 

“ I am alarmed about our younger 
child,” Mrs. Rutherford continued. “Ma- 
rilla is ill indeed and her speech is of 


19 


The Love That Transformed 


strange words. She talks of love and the 
absence of it in our hearts for herself and 
brother. I think the child is right. We 
have shown no affection for them. Are 
we doing our duty? Do we know what 
love is, — this kind that she speaks of — 
that which when absent causes the heart 
to ache?” 

“Constance, are you trying to change 
the customs of these times and bow in 
obedience to a child? Do we not provide 
them with everything their station calls 
for? Are we cruel to them? If we live up 
to the law of conditions we are obeying 
our conscience.” 

“I fear, Cecil, that something has 
changed me. I understand all that Mani- 
la says. There are longings in our hearts 
that must be satisfied, and as I look back 
I can see that we have not taken our chil- 
dren’s feelings into consideration. I fear 
that our little Marilla will soon be no more 
unless we give her more attention.” 

“Do as you think is wise, but the con- 
sequences shall fall upon you, Constance. 
Love is such a silly, weak manifestation 
for a man to show. It makes one depend- 
ent and that is not heroic.” 


20 


The Love That Transformed 


“Cecil, with your consent I go back to 
Marilla with other thots than those that I 
held yesterday. I ask you not to criticize, 
but allow me to give vent to this new feel- 
ing I now have.” 

Then Mrs. Rutherford rose — her hus- 
band bowed as she left the room, and thus 
they both started on different roads. 

When the mother, for Mrs. Rutherford 
was one now, entered the sick room, 
Manila’s hungry eyes were watching the 
door as tho expectant of some one enter- 
ing. She saw the light in her mother’s 
face and her little heart responded at once. 
She stretched out her arms and said, 

“Oh, mother, you love me!” 

“Yes, my child; I have found my heart 
and it has opened to you. My precious 
babe! I am a mother in heart and mind. 
You have aroused my feelings. Never 
shall coldness freeze your little heart 
again. I have never been happy, Marilla, 
and I know now why. It is because I never 
loved. My mother never loved me, only 
as a mere possession. My heart did not 
ache for love as yours has.” 

“Mother, mother! how happy I am. I 
have been so lonely without you, but how 
can we live without Eustace, for you must 
love him also?” 


21 


The Love That Transformed 


“Yes, and at once I shall have a new 
search made for him. ,, 

“Suppose you should never see him 
again, mother?” 

“Then, my child, in a way I shall feel 
responsible for the loss.” 

From this time Marilla began to im- 
prove, yet there remained on her counte- 
nance the hungry look that was yet to be 
satisfied. She yearned for the presence of 
her brother who had discovered the secret 
of happiness, and had told her of this love 
and the promises of its beauty. She longed 
to have him return and share with her its 
expression from their mother. But the 
days passed and no word came from 
Eustace, so Marilla felt that he had 
broken his promise and gone away with- 
out her. 


Ill 

Now on the evening of the last day when 
Marilla and Eustace played together and 
he had told her of his plans, he wandered 
out alone onto the drive that led from the 
house to the main road pointing toward 
the port. No one missed him — no one saw 
him until there came riding down the road 
at a great speed a rough looking man, on 


22 


The Love That Transformed 


horse-back. Beholding the boy, he accost- 
ed him by saying, 

“Where are you bound for, son?” 

“I wish to run away,” answered 
Eustace, “altho I told Marilla, my sister, 
that I would not go without her. We love 
each other, but our parents are cold and 
stern and show us no affection. We wish 
to know of the world and see if there are 
kinder people away from home. Where 
are you going, man?” 

“Come along and I will show you.” 
Then assisting Eustace to mount the horse 
and telling him to cling fast to him, they 
galloped away. It required many hours 
to reach the first destination, which was 
a deserted old hut in the woods. The man 
dismounted and aided Eustace to do like- 
wise. “We must remain here tonight, as it 
is very late and my horse is tired. We 
also need some sleep.” Pulling from the 
horse’s back a blanket, he threw it upon 
the ground and dropped upon it; motion- 
ing for Eustace to do the same. Both were 
tired, so sleep soon wrapped her arms 
around them. 

When day broke the man aroused 
Eustace and asked him if he still wished 
to run away. 


23 


The Love That Transformed 


“Yes, I wish to go, altho I know I shall 
miss Marilla.” 

The man drew from his pocket a pack- 
age, opened it and tossed to Eustace some 
bread and cheese. They drank from a 
stream of water and prepared to go on 
their journey. As they started off the man 
remarked, 

“You are taking a hard road. Many 
times you will wish for the good food your 
parents have supplied you with, but to be 
a sport you must bury all such recollec- 
tions.” 

When the sun rose they were many 
miles from Eustace’s home, but as yet no 
regret had entered his mind. 

It required several days’ ride to reach 
the port where the boats were in readiness 
to push out into the sea. Once again was 
Eustace asked by his companion if he had 
changed his mind or did he still wish to 
leave the land of his home. While Eustace 
was fighting hard with the thots that 
united him with Marilla and home, he had 
control of his feelings and did not yield 
to their spell. He replied that he would 
not turn back, and altho there might be 
hardships ahead, he still desired to go on. 

When the boat in which he and his com- 
panion was launched and the few seamen 


24 


The Love That Transformed 


who manned the vessels had crowded in, 
the boy knew not for where they were 
bound, nor of the days it would be com- 
pelled to sail before reaching shore again. 
With their provisions aboard the boat was 
well laden, for in those times there were 
no large steamers such as our travelers use 
now. 

Everything went well the first few 
days and Eustace was treated in a kindly 
manner by these strange men, yet when 
dark night came over them the boy could 
not keep his mind from wandering back 
to the beautiful home where Marilla, his 
dear sister, was mourning for him; but 
these thots he was compelled to bury as the 
future faced him. He felt that when he 
reached land again that he would secure 
work, yet he knew naught of employment ; 
but he had listened to all that the men 
were saying and the future did not worry 
him. His thot was only of escape from his 
parents who had kept from him the privi- 
lege of free expression. 

When the party had been out four days 
on their voyage they encountered a storm 
which at first aroused no fear in the men, 
but as it grew more intense and the boat 
rode high over the waves, fear began to 
express itself with some. Eustace, who 


25 


The Love That Transformed 


saw this, began to wish that he had waited 
until he was older before taking such a 
risk, but tho young, he realized the use- 
lessness of his wishes and desired to be 
brave and accept whatever came. 

It was not long that he was kept in 
doubt of the disaster which was in their 
track. With no warning, therefore no op- 
portunity to steer away from what ap- 
peared a mountainous object, the small 
boat struck and was almost instantly de- 
molished. Its occupants were thrown into 
the depths of the dark sea, which seemed 
willing and hungry to clasp the struggling 
forms in its arms. With huge pieces of 
wood which were riding over the tops of 
the storm-tossed waves, turning in all di- 
rections, the men and boy saw a refuge 
for a short time. Clinging with all their 
strength to these dead pieces, they called 
for help, but none coming, the men gave 
up the ghost one by one and sank into the 
depths until not one was left. 

As youth has less fear, so it has more 
hope, and Eustace was yet clinging, with a 
faint cry escaping his lips, “Marilla, I am 
lost — save me — save me!” when a boat 
came in sight, and seeing the living 
creature struggling in the deep water, its 
occupants steered toward him and lifted 


26 


The Love That Transformed 


him into their boat. They asked him many 
questions, and while bringing him back to 
a normal condition he gasped out answers 
to all their inquiries. He was wrapped in 
a blanket, fed and protected. 

In a few days this party landed on a 
lonely shore which was strange indeed to 
Eustace, who in the days since leaving 
home had learned many things. 

IV 

At his home all was confusion and 
anxiety, for even Mr. Rutherford had 
proved to himself by reason and search 
that the boy was nowhere to be found near 
their estate. Marilla was like a beautiful 
blighted lily, so pale and slender was she. 
She was found many times on bended 
knees and clasped hands praying for 
Eustace’s return. She had not told of his 
intended escape, altho questioned by the 
whole household. She had grown so frail 
and white that often it seemed the stem 
would snap and let its burden drop to the 
ground and die. In conversation with her 
mother she would ask many questions, and 
one day when in speaking, for the child 
was allowed now to express her hopes and 
fears to her mother, she asked, 


27 


The Love That Transformed 


‘‘Mother, suppose Eustace does not re- 
turn or is never found, — do you think we 
shall see him when we leave the earth?” 

“My child, I cannot answer your ques- 
tion with assurance, but I think if we con- 
tinue to love him and long for him, we 
shall. Perhaps had I listened to my son’s 
questionings when he attempted to speak, 
I should have become acquainted with his 
ideas of life and his desires and reasons 
for them. I see so clearly, Marilla, that 
with his pent-up thots he was unhappy. 
His mind is one that must find light and 
have knowledge of the world and its won- 
derful advantages. If he has chosen his 
own way and left us, he no doubt will 
some day communicate with us. Oh, my 
child! what a strange thing is love — what 
a world of beauty it is to those who live 
amidst its surroundings ! The heart craves 
it and unless we are linked by it to those 
who are physically related to us, we are 
not of their world. Let us never lose hope 
nor faith that Eustace will come back and 
live in our hearts with us.” 

“Of course, mother, he does not know 
that you would listen to him were he here, 
else I am sure he would come back, for 
even tho he is lost or stolen, love finds 
ways.” 


28 


The Love That Transformed 


The weeks and months passed and the 
lily of the garden of Rutherford was still 
holding up its head toward the light, altho 
had not love come to nurture her she would 
long since have been in the "churchyard. 
In the beautiful gardens of her parents’ 
magnificent home she wandered, and when 
weary and hope almost gone she would 
drop on her knees, and in an attitude of 
prayer call for Eustace to come home to 
her. 

V 

Now when Eustace had landed on 
shores hundreds of miles from home, he be- 
gan to think of what he had done, and he 
w r ondered if it was right. His mind was 
filled with light and reason was always 
with him. The men into whose care he had 
fallen carried him with them, — they gave 
him no work, seeing that he was a child 
of wealth and realizing that there was a 
history attached to him. Being men of 
leisure and wealth who had sailed the seas 
only for sport, they felt in a way responsi- 
ble for him, so one day after having taken 
refuge in a wayside inn, they called him 
before them and asked him to give an ac- 
count of himself. Fear did not enter into 
his reply. 


29 


The Love That Transformed 


“I am Eustace Rutherford, aged now 
just twelve, my birthday coming on 
Thursday of last week. I have a dear, 
sweet sister, for whom I would die were 
it necessary to save her. I did not intend 
to leave her thus, but our parents, Mr. and 
Mrs. Cecil Rutherford, are cold people 
and have no love in their hearts for us. 
Marilla and I used often to speak of this 
strange condition, so one day I said, ‘Ma- 
rilla, I am going to run away/ I prom- 
ised not to go without her, but an oppor- 
tunity came on the evening of the day on 
which I spoke. The rest you know, as I 
told you when you took me in your boat.” 

“What do you mean by love?” ques- 
tioned one. “What does a boy of your 
age know of it?” 

“I know it is protection. I know it is 
the attraction between people, and unless 
parents have it for their children the chil- 
dren are outcasts, they are uninteresting 
to their parents. Our mother never led us 
to our beds and tucked the covers in 
around us, kissing us and wishing us good- 
night. And Marilla and I ‘felt as tho we 
were freezing or starving,’ Marilla said. 
We had so many things we wished to ask 
questions about, but always was there one 
command: ‘Children must remain quiet 


30 


The Love That Transformed 


and show respect toward their parents, else 
they are disobedient*/ and oh, when Mani- 
la and I thot of how some parents love 
their children we would cry and wish that 
we had been born to other parents.” 

“Do you not know that your parents 
are right in their judgment and that in 
these days we live by rules and etiquette 
alone? Perhaps your parents do love you, 
but feel it a weakness to show it.” 

“I think that is not so, sir; altho you 
are a grown man I feel you do not under- 
stand. Feelings that live within us are 
natural, for they were given to us by our 
creator, and they are our birthright. We 
are entitled to them. Parents are not 
mothers and fathers unless they love their 
children — they are no more than our hired 
nurses or guardians, and that is why I ran 
away. I wish to find love in some one who 
will express it.” 

“You are indeed a strange boy, and I 
do not know but what you are right in 
your way of looking at this,” interrupted 
another man. “I had thots similar to yours 
when I was a boy and my heart was almost 
crushed before I had reached your age; 
but I will not call back the past. We must 
see what is best to do for you.” 


31 


The Love That Transformed 


“There is but one thing,” the outspoken 
boy replied; “start me on the right road 
and I shall do the rest. I cannot go back 
to my parents. I should like to hear of 
Marilla, but I have no fancy to see Mr. 
and Mrs. Rutherford.” 

“My boy, I fear you will regret this act 
of yours. The world is a cold place, and 
altho your parents exhibit no love for you, 
they would surely protect you from harm. 
Suppose they wish you to come home and 
offered you their love, would you return?” 

“How can they offer that which they 
know not?” 

“You can remain with us until we decide 
what is best under such conditions to do.” 

Then Eustace became deeply thought- 
ful, and he spake to the men who closely 
watched him. “I know that I am the prop- 
erty of my parents and that no doubt they 
are making a search for me.” 

“What of your young sister? Think of 
her suffering if she loves you. Perhaps 
your parents are holding her responsible 
for your escape.” 

“That I do not believe; Marilla would 
not reveal our talks, even tho they tor- 
tured her, which I scarcely think they 
would do.” 


32 


The Love That Transformed 


“You are a boy of the highest caste and 
work would not become your station, and 
I think no one in your same position in 
life would care to adopt you, for they hold 
thots similar to those of your parents.” 

“Then I will be independent. I shall 
show to others what love is. I do not wish 
to encumber you with the care of me. 
Start me in the right direction and I shall 
ask no more.” 

When the men conferred together, they 
decided that such a boy should not be 
placed on the highroads of a cold, wicked 
world. They decided that the influence of 
his character and the thots he gave out 
were too pure to be lost, so they concluded 
to find a way to reinstate him in his home. 

Communication was slow in reaching 
others, but they decided to get word to 
Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford and acquaint 
them with news of the boy. They felt that 
already boats must be sailing the sea in 
search of him. 

VI 

At first Mr. Rutherford seemed indif- 
ferent to the loss of the child. Associating 
so little with his children, to him the 
absence of one was not more important 
than the loss of a horse or of any other ani- 


33 


The Love That Transformed 


mal on his estate. As time wore on he, 
however, began to see in his wife more 
beauty of feeling. To him her character 
seemed that of another. He felt that he 
was making a new acquaintance in his own 
home, and that attractions greater than 
those away from home were holding him 
within his household. 

Then one day he came upon the lily of 
the garden who, with a background of 
green growths ready to spring into buds, 
was kneeling as tho in prayer. He moved 
quietly so as not to disturb her and lis- 
tened as her sweet voice uttered this 
prayer : 

“O, Love, the distributor of all affection, 
companionship and constancy, I beg of Thee 
to send back to me my brother who taught 
me of Thee. I beg of Thee to open my 
father’s heart, that he may with earnestness 
make a search for that one who is so needed 
to uphold thy messages to us. 

“Thanking Thee for giving to Eustace Thy 
precious gift, 

“Amen.” 

Before the child had finished the father 
stood with uncovered head, bowed in ador- 
ation of one he had never before known. 
He had never until this day known that on 
his estate grew such a wonderful flower, 


34 


The Love That Transformed 


nor had his eyes ever before beheld so 
sacred a scene. To him it became a shrine 
whither he now intended to often visit. 
Here he saw the birth of love, for his heart 
gradually opened and out sprang that 
feeling his child had implanted there. He 
stood as one who is watching the fading 
away of an old life, and when Marilla 
opened her eyes and saw him she saw the 
new light that she had so fervently prayed 
for radiating from her father’s eyes. She 
uttered a sharp little cry and would have 
fallen had this man, who was regenerated, 
not hastened forward in time to clasp her 
in his arms. What she had hoped for 
came so suddenly that it produced a 
shock. 

“Father,” she cried, “do you, too, love? 
Have you seen what it means to us who 
love to possess it?” 

“Marilla, my little daughter, I have 
never known this feeling before. Is it love 
that clears our vision and lets us see the 
beauty of character in others where be- 
fore we have seen nothing? If this be love, 
I wish it.” 

“Father, I now have no fear to speak 
to you, for with your eyes looking thru 


35 


The Love That Transformed 


love’s lenses you cannot wish to punish 
me. You can never know, dear father, 
how Eustace and I have craved affection 
from you and mother. We had no protec- 
tion, for we knew that servants could never 
give what parents withheld.” 

“How true that is, my new daughter; 
for to me, you have been but a stranger 
until today; and now tell me of Eustace. 
Do you know of his hiding place and am 
I, his father, the cause of his desertion? 
Speak, child; fear me not. I have no in- 
clination to chide you. You were with 
your brother most of the time; you are 
familiar with his thots. You love him dear- 
ly, do you not?” 

“How much you can never know, 
father, for pity was ever in my heart for 
him. He seemed like a beautiful flower 
ready to unfold, but stifled with a cold- 
ness that stunted the growth.” 

“My child, you speak with wisdom.” 

“Ah, father, a suffering heart learns 
much.” 

“Tell me now, my dear, of all you know 
of Eustace. Did he ever speak to you of 
leaving his home?” 

“Promise father, that if I tell you of 
all I know that you will not scold nor harm 

_ J 5 


36 


The Love That Transformed 


“My sword of harshness is broken and 
thrown away, so fear not to speak.” 

“Many, many times, father, did Eustace 
tell me of his intention to run away. He 
promised to take me with him, as we did 
not feel that we had either a father or a 
mother. We thot that, having no one to 
love us, it made no difference where we 
dwelt. I did not know that Eustace would 
leave the day on which he did. I feel that 
an opportunity came and he but accepted 
it. My heart has ached ever since he dis- 
appeared, but altho my brother is lost, I 
have found my father and mother. Father, 
to me it seems I must have died and en- 
tered another world. It seems like heaven 
must he to have you and mother love me. 
I can never give praise enough to the cause 
of your awakening; but father, how can we 
find my brother?” 

“As yet I know not how, but as the will 
is ever father of the act, I will let no time 
pass ere I start a new search.” 

“Let us go to mother now. How sur- 
prised she will be when she finds we have 
begun to know each other, father. Mother 
and I have wished so much that you would 
find the foundation of life.” 

Together father and daughter walked 
toward the house and just as they were 


37 


The Love That Transformed 


about to enter, Mrs. Rutherford came out, 
intending to seek Marilla. When her eyes 
beheld what to her was the most wonder- 
ful sight, her emotions could not be con- 
trolled. She began to weep, and sobs that 
spake for her came forth. Mr. Ruther- 
ford forgot all about the appearance of 
weakness in expressing love of which he 
had heretofore often spoken, and walked 
to his wife, taking her tenderly in his arms 
as he said, 

“Constance, what a wonderful change 
has come over our home. How beautiful 
everything appears to me now. I wonder 
why we have been living in darkness so 
long? Surely so great a thing as love is 
nothing to smother, but something to cul- 
tivate. Why have our ancestors lived and 
died without it and why do our friends 
and relatives not realize its strength?” 

“I know not, Cecil, unless humanity 
lives too close to tradition. Why should 
we follow in the steps of those who have 
gone? Why not make our own world and 
its environment? We can and we will.” 

“What a glorious day this is, Constance! 
We need but one thing more to make our 
new world complete, and that is Eustace, 
our son. Let us walk about the gardens 
and enjoy the wonderful air.” 


The Love That Transformed 


Then linking arms together, father, 
mother and daughter took their first 
promenade together. In their walk they 
came upon the secluded spot which had 
now become Manila’s shrine, where she 
sought the quiet and peaceful atmosphere 
of the growing things when she wished to 
give expression to the longings of her 
heart. On a bench nearby the three sat to 
speak of the work that was before them, 
for now it became clear to the parents that 
to them alone belonged the search for 
Eustace. They, of course, knew not of the 
direction in which Eustace set out, but as 
the nearby country had been closely 
searched, the sea seemed suggestive of his 
route. 

After this day, many were the meetings 
held by the parents and child, and Mr. 
Rutherford was gradually losing interest 
in the trivial pleasures that had passed the 
hours for him before. The book they were 
beginning to look into held so many beau- 
tiful pictures for them. The parents’ 
minds were seeing so clearly how unprofit- 
able is a life where only self is considered. 
In the past they valued only the things 
that were exorbitantly expensive that they 
might shine and appear as possessors of 
jewels that would inspire envy or gor- 


39 


The Love That Transformed 


geous show pieces. All this drear empti- 
ness of heart was leaving. They now knew 
Marilla as the most priceless gift that was 
ever bestowed on man or woman. The 
more precious she became the more their 
hearts yearned for their other jewel, the 
one whose value they had hitherto not 
known or judged. Marilla held always 
before them the motto, 

“’Tis love alone brings things right.” 

And so in a new-born happiness these 
people lived, altho there remained one 
dearest wish ungranted. Mr. Rutherford 
had started out on the road of search sev- 
eral men, — even on the sea had some ven- 
tured, but to no avail. 

VII 

In the meantime while the trail of search 
was being carried on, Eustace was being 
guarded. The men who had him in charge 
had asked of him many questions, so that 
before many weeks had passed they had 
learned of his home, its people and their 
habits. They soon discovered that the boy 
was a Prince in thot and action; that 
he only wished from his parents his true 
legacy and rightful endowment. None 
knew how such thots reached the mind of a 


40 


The Love That Transformed 


young boy who had lived in an environ- 
ment where love did not grow. They ques- 
tioned him daily to know of the source 
from which he drew his love thots, and he 
invariably placed his hand upon his breast 
and said, 

“Something here tells me.” 

They grew more tender and patient 
with him and felt that he had discovered 
a mine of wealth. They too began grad- 
ually to understand feelings. They knew 
why Eustace appealed to them when so 
many children had but repelled them. 
More than this, they saw that it was their 
own hearts that caused the feeling toward 
other children, not the innocent children’s. 

Of course, habits of centuries are hard 
to break and customs are changed always 
by individuals. All new inventions are 
individually thot and planned, so are all 
reforms or changes of any kind that come 
to the world, brought about ever in the 
beginning by some one person dwelling 
on its possibilities. And so it seemed to 
those people who dwelt in that country, 
that a small boy and girl were bringing 
into the lives of their elders a mighty 
change, something that made life more 
filled with joy and appreciation. 


41 


The Love That Transformed 


One day when Eustace was speaking of 
his home, one man, Rogers Clemington, 
asked of him whether he had regretted the 
step he had taken, and if he had a desire 
to return home? The boy truthfully 
answered : 

“I am sorry that I ran away, for I 
dream so much of Marilla, my sweet sis- 
ter, and often I see her with our parents 
walking over the lawns looking in every 
nook and corner of the gardens as tho in 
search of something, then when I awaken 
I think it might be so, that Marilla may 
have told to them our secrets and prob- 
ably awakened their hearts. But how can 
I reach home now? It is far away. I was 
thinking today of how much Marilla will 
miss me on Easter. That beautiful day 
when the gardens are so filled with prom- 
ise of spring-time. We both love the beau- 
tiful flowers and we used to call the gar- 
den our kingdom and the flowers our sub- 
jects. Then we would walk around and 
talk to them as tho they were people, and 
tell them not to be afraid to come out into 
the strong sunlight. I suppose Marilla 
will miss me and so will the flowers, but 
the man I rode away with told me that to 
be a sport I must not look back on those 


42 


The Love That Transformed 


memories, so I must try to think of other 
things.” 

“A sport is not one to be envied, 
Eustace,” Mr. Clemington suggested. 
“You are too good a boy to have your 
thots running in that direction. Now, I 
tell you jvhat we have decided upon. You 
love your little sister dearly and she loves 
you. Neither is happy without the other. 
Soon after you told us of your parents 
and of your life at home, and knowing full 
well that small boys do not understand the 
ways of this large world, therefore need 
protection, we sent some seamen in a boat 
off toward your home. We felt that even 
tho your parents are cold and unloving 
toward you, they must be very anxious to 
know where you are, and Eustace, you 
would have many regrets in years to come 
did you not return to them. We are going 
to start tomorrow to take you back. Our 
men no doubt have reached their destina- 
tion and your parents and sister know of 
your safety. Do you not suppose that 
small sister is crying with joy?” 

Eustace, who was not disappointed in 
the attempt to bring his plans to an end, 
looked up at Mr. Clemington and his eyes 
filled with tears as he said, 


43 


The Love That Transformed 


“Oh, you know what love is. Love does 
not wish others to suffer and you are think- 
ing how to bring joy to Marilla. Of 
course, I am sorry to go back to my par- 
ents, but Marilla would be so sad with- 
out me on Easter that I think I shall be 
glad to go to my home. When I am older 
I can go and see the world. You know 
best, Mr. Clemington. I am sorry to dis- 
tress you and cause you to take a sea voy- 
age, but how can I reach home unless some 
one takes me or comes for me? I can swim, 
but I think I could not swim the ocean. 
I would lose my breath.” 

“You see, Eustace, you have not crossed 
to the opposite side of the sea — we are on 
the same side from which you started, but 
we have to sail far out to find the best 
course. We may meet a boat before we 
reach your port, for some one is making 
a search for you, I am sure. You are too 
valuable a boy to lose. Come now, are 
you not glad that you will get back to your 
kingdom by Easter? Think of all those 
subjects that need encouragement and who 
will welcome you with their nods.” 

Eustace, who was very appreciative of 
even the least kindness shown him, was 
willing to admit that his experience had 
been sufficient. Being separated from his 


44 


The Love That Transformed 


home caused many thots — before new to 
him — to crowd into his mind. He realized 
what separation meant to those who love 
and he also knew how in trying to avoid 
unhappy surroundings one could walk 
into others that were worse. He saw that 
only as he gained experience could it be 
used to aid him, so he was in readiness 
and the right spirit of mind to sail for 
home. 

VIII 

Could he have seen that home just at 
this time he would have known that his 
desertion of it had in reality brought about 
conditions he had hungered for so 
long. The men who had been sent out a 
few weeks before had reached the shore 
safely and been taken by hired convey- 
ances to the Rutherford estate. They were 
almost carried into the house by the serv- 
ants when it was learned of the tidings 
they had brought. They were fed from 
a most bounteous table and made com- 
fortable that they could more joyfully 
state all they knew of Eustace. 

Having seen the boy, they could tell 
well of his courage and fortitude under 
trying conditions. Of his determination to 
find older men and women to whom he 


45 


The Love That Transformed 


could express his thots that he might know 
if they were correct. They spoke of his 
knowledge of a feeling that he called love 
and how he had implanted it in the hearts 
of all whom he had met. 

“I think,” said one man, “did he remain 
where he is that he would become a mon- 
arch, ruling people by his love. At first 
all thot the boy strange, but this feeling 
faded away as they listened to his speech. 
Of course, it is a strange language he 
speaks, for it comes not from books, but 
seems to come from within his heart. In- 
deed, it is a rare jewel these people own, 
envied by all who have seen him. Were 
the lad my child, I would grieve lest I 
were deprived of him in some way.” 

When Marilla heard these strange men 
praise her brother her happiness knew no 
bounds. She cried out: 

“I knew he would return, for I have 
prayed to Love to send him.” 

“Your prayer will be answered,” ob- 
served one man. “Your brother is a good 
compass to turn others in the right direc- 
tion, so he will not be lost. He will arrive 
here safely before the Easter-tide.” 

A few days were allotted to the enter- 
tainment of the men who carried the good 
news of the runaway’s location. This 


46 


The Love That Transformed 


period of rest restored them to a condition 
that made them the better able to endure 
their homeward trip. 

The morning they set sail every in- 
habitant of the neighborhood of the Ruth- 
erford’s estate was on hand to bid them 
adieu and bon voyage. No greater en- 
thusiasm had ever been aroused in that 
part of the country. As they pushed out 
into the open sea, all hands were waved 
and cries of cheerful wishes reached their 
ears until the sea’s natural noises deafened 
them to all other sounds. When they were 
out of sight and only memory could view 
them those left behind began to plan a re- 
ception for Eustace, the young reformer, 
for to the older folks he thus appeared. 

In the course over the sea the two boats 
met, one carrying the home-bound news- 
bearers and the other with the greatest boy 
of those times. They exchanged messages, 
and thus it was that Eustace discovered 
how gladsome would be his welcome home 
by those whom he had dreaded meeting. 
He was full of joy, yet the voyage became 
more tedious as it neared the end. He 
could scarcely wait until he saw land 
again, but time after all is swift and on 
the very day which careful calculation 


47 


The Love That Transformed 


made by the two parties had decided he 
would reach home, the party landed. 

Had a king in all his pomp and 
grandeur been expected, no greater show 
could have hailed his welcome. The men 
in riding attire were mounted on handsome 
steeds and with the ladies in gorgeous 
habits formed an aisle when they saw the 
small boat nearing its landing. The chil- 
dren were dressed in costumes which rep- 
resented flowers, and as the boat came 
close to shore Marilla, who was upon the 
back of a small white horse, rode toward 
it. She had been carefully arranged in a 
white costume, that gave her the appear- 
ance of an angel. Her attitude and 
gracious manners impressed all as an 
ethereal being calling back to home shores 
one who had become lost to the fold of 
safety. 

Eustace was the first to sight the spec- 
tacle, and to him it was more wonderful 
than any of which he had dreamed. Y oung 
as he was, he was conscious of the love that 
had stretched out its arm to save him and 
carry him back. After great cheers and 
many salutations, the party were placed 
on horses brought for the occasion. The 
journey being a long one, several stopping 


48 


The Love That Transformed 


places had been arranged for their com- 
fort as they rode toward Eustace’s home. 
At last the afternoon came when the man- 
sion loomed in sight. As it was neared 
by the procession a line of liveried men on 
horses met them and, removing their hats, 
they shouted, “Welcome to our young re- 
former!” Eustace was equal to the salute 
and clambering to his feet he stood erect 
upon his horse and called back, 

“Thanks to the cause that brought him 
to you.” 

Then amidst laughter and gayety the 
parade passed thru the gates that were 
spread wide open to admit them, and rode 
over the drives of the most spacious 
grounds for miles around. The mansion 
was reached and Eustace was lifted high 
into the air by two stalwart men in glit- 
tering attire, while the gay party shrieked 
with very gladness. 

On entering the large rooms it was soon 
seen that nothing had been forgotten that 
could lend cheer to the occasion. Eustace, 
in the procession, had been preceded by 
Marilla, who followed Mr. and Mrs. Ruth- 
erford in the march toward home. When 
all had crowded into the spacious room 
where the reception was held, Eustace was 


49 


The Love That Transformed 


placed upon a high pedestal that had been 
built large and firm. Marilla was first to 
push her way thru to the foot of the 
pedestal, and looking up, she said, 

“Eustace, dear brother, your plan did 
not fail — we are at last allowed to speak 
our thots to our elders. What have you 
to say? Speak, Eustace.” 

Eustace waved his hand and bowed. 
Silence was the visitor then. “My dear 
parents, my loving sister, friends and 
guests, I thank you for this kindly and 
gorgeous welcome. I deserve it not, for I 
am a runaway. I left this home many 
months ago to find a place where I could 
express my thots. After a long search for 
that land of freedom I find myself back in 
the place from where I started. I have 
no regrets for having gone on my journey, 
hut I am filled with joy and satisfaction 
that I am returned. In the wilderness of 
my confusion I have found my father and 
mother whom heretofore I had not met. I 
do not claim that it is thru my efforts that 
this discovery was made, but by the love 
that overflowed from this Easter Lily that 
adorns the foot of the pedestal. She 
alone understood my desires and yearning. 
She is my staunch and truest friend, and 


50 


The Love That Transformed 


during my absence her love has kept my 
heart open to that which I might have lost 
had I dwelt on others and forgotten her.” 

Then motioning for two men-servants 
to lift her up to him, he said, 

“Give praise where it should rest. This 
is Marilla, my Easter Lily. To her I ex- 
pressed all my thots and her love piloted 
me home. ,, 

Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford stood nearby 
and tears came to their eyes as they real- 
ized the truth of all their young son was 
saying. 

When Marilla was raised to the position 
no loud voices were heard, but a subdued 
expression, as tho of reverence, was heard 
to trill thru the lines. After refreshments 
were served and many handshakes were 
given, all guests took their leave. None 
lingered, knowing that the parents wished 
to entertain in quietness their son, and the 
gentlemen who thru kindness had been his 
escorts. 

IX 

These men remained but a few days. 
During that time they were most cour- 
teously entertained and they in turn en- 
tertained their hosts by the many accounts 
they gave of Eustace’s attitude toward the 


51 


The Love That Transformed 


part played by him in his escapade. They 
assured his parents that the child was a 
prize, that love glowed from his very being 
and while they, too, had looked upon chil- 
dren as something to be kept in the back- 
ground, their minds had been opened. 
They saw the injustice of keeping the lit- 
tle ones’ thots pent up. They also agreed 
that children should not be forward or in- 
terrupt their elders, but that there should 
be times set aside for parents to draw into 
conversation their little ones and know 
upon what subjects their young minds 
were dwelling. 

In these modern days there are no cus- 
toms of restriction as were there in those 
olden times. The little ones are not given 
over entirely to servants’ care, nor are they 
considered impertinent or disobedient 
when they express an opinion. Boys are 
allowed to choose for themselves the voca- 
tion they desire, but in ancient days the 
regulated family decided everything for 
the young. It was not that Eustace and 
Marilla wished to be forward or lacking 
in due respect. They missed the affection 
that they craved and were unhappy with- 
out it. Their minds were unusual and they 
reasoned things out for themselves and 


52 


The Love That Transformed 


discovered that feeling which they knew 
was love. Being filled with it, their young 
hearts were bursting to give it out. While 
no serious results came from Eustace’s 
bold deed, minds were opened wide to the 
justice of their claim. Other parents be- 
gan to think and to decide that unless the 
young minds were allowed expression they 
would be stifled and chilled, thus eventual- 
ly becoming cold by training rather than 
from desire. 

It was the day before Easter when the 
good Samaritans took their leave. They 
were sorry to say good-bye to their small 
friend, but they carried back to their homes 
a revelation that they knew would beauti- 
fy them. Two of the men servants accom- 
panied them to the port, that they might 
not turn on wrong roads. 

After they had gone and Mr. and Mrs. 
Rutherford were alone with their children, 
they had happy hours that heretofore were 
unknown to all. The children were guests 
at their parents’ table that evening and 
were asked to join in the conversation that 
was led by the parents. Eustace told them 
of many thots that had come to him, and 
also begged forgiveness for the act that 
had brought anxiety to the home. 


53 


The Love That Transformed 


“My son, you need not bespeak our 
pardon,” protested his father, “for we 
have learned that which we should have 
known years ago. We accept your wise 
words of the need of love and recognize 
its power. I have no fear of you or Marilla 
unduly speaking your thots where they 
should be held in silence. From this 
day on you are free to speak your thots 
to us. Now tomorrow being Easter, the 
day you both so dearly love, we suggest 
that you go together into the gardens and 
let your hearts prompt you to wander 
where you will.” 


X 

Easter morn dawned with glorious 
promise. The sun rose and shone unmolest- 
ed by clouds all thru the day. As soon as 
Eustace and Marilla had breakfasted they 
donned their wraps and went out into the 
garden. Together they walked, arm-in- 
arm, over the grounds, listening to the 
birds and looking above to the clear, blue 
sky, which seemed a suitable canopy for 
the beautiful gardens. The streams 
trickled and seemed to be speaking to the 
children. The trees, plants and shrubbery 
were carefully examined, and here and 


54 


The Love That Transformed 


there were found buds forming and spring 
nodded to them at every turn. 

When they had finished exploring the 
garden, Marilla slipped her hand into 
Eustace’s and led him to the spot where 
she had prayed for his return. She told 
him how it had become sacred to her and 
that so long as they were children, it 
should always be held as her shrine, where 
she intended going to make her wishes 
for the things she felt necessary for her 
happiness. 

They returned [to the house for the 
luncheon and invited their parents to go 
with them later on in the day to visit 
Marilla’s sanctuary. When the sun had 
risen high in the sky and was shedding 
her light in great abundance upon the 
earth, Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford, with 
the children clinging to them, walked out 
into the garden. The place of devotion 
was in a way a secluded spot, being guard- 
ed by large shrubbery trees, and just below 
it, at the foot of the terrace, was a bridge 
spanning a small stream. On both sides 
were bushes which bore roses during their 
season. When the family reached the 
“shrine,” for the spot was known by this 
name to all now, Marilla besought 


55 


The Love That Transformed 


Eustace to speak to them. She and her 
parents sat on a bench near the bridge. 
Eustace rose to his feet and smiled. 

“I usurp no one else’s place, altho with 
such a select audience the temptation is 
upon me.” Then taking Manila’s arm he 
led her to the altar she had selected. Ma- 
nila was not disturbed in the least by this 
act, but walked directly to her post. Her 
appearance was such as to call to the mind 
pictures of angelic creatures, her hair 
being golden, her complexion fair and her 
eyes as blue as the sky. She knelt, as was 
her custom when closing from her mind 
thots of the world, and asked to have put 
into her mouth words worthy of utterance. 

“O Love, we wish to offer to Thee this glori- 
ous Easter day a message from our hearts. 

“We thank Thee that Thou hast brought 
home to us my dear brother, for had he not 
returned he would not have known of the 
granting of his desires. We know that love 
is the greatest of all things in the world. 
Without it no hearth is happy and no house 
is a home. Where love does not inhabit the 
mansion where families dwell, sorrow and 
disappointment reign. We started on our 
journey without its true connection and great 
distress came upon us. We were almost 
shipwrecked. Today our home is like heaven, 
for love is the star that shines from every 
corner. Having found it and filled our home 
with it we wish to aid in making others 


56 


The Love That Transformed 


happy by bringing to their hearts this love 
that has made our family united forever. 
Today is Easter, the day when Christ rose 
triumphant over death and gave proof to the 
world of His resurrection. 

“May we give to the world our examples of 
resurrection, for we have pushed aside the 
great stone of indifference that kept us from 
our parents’ sight and brought forth from 
their hearts love which was buried indeed. 
May we continue on this beautiful road taken 
and as we enter one by one into eternity’s 
home, may we find one another and know that 
only the links of love made the chain that 
will hold us together forever. 

“Amen.” 

Then together this family journeyed 
along the road of life, and when years had 
passed and Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford had 
become old and the follies of life had 
slipped away from their memory, they saw 
clearly that no legacy could in aught com- 
pare with love that crowned their old age, 
and was ever to remain in the minds of 
their children as blessings sacred and true. 

Eustace and Marilla became great 
characters as the world’s development 
began. Eustace spread the truth over his 
land and Marilla became a queen with 
rare beauty of mind and body, beloved by 
her subjects, and when old age had been 
with her many years she died, mourned by 
all whom she had so gently ruled. Eustace 


57 


The Love That Transformed 


survived her but a few years, but his fame 
was world-renowned, and he, too, was 
greatly mourned when he passed into the 
arms of death, leaving a large following 
of men, women and children who spoke 
sacredly of the man who when a boy 
brought love to a country hitherto un- 
awake to it. 

Oh, that each and every one could fol- 
low the straight and narrow path with such 
courage that they, too, could become 
pioneers of this great love which feeds the 
famished heart and enriches those who 
possess it. 

Charlotte Evelyn Huff. 
Easter, 1919. 


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